ASSESSING THE POTENTIAL OF THE THAI TRADITIONAL MEDICINE ESTABISHMENTS ABLE TO DEVELOP AS EDUCATIONAL PARTNERS OF THE SCHOOL OF TRADITIONAL AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

Abstract

The objective of this research article was to assess the potential of the Thai traditional medicine establishments able to develop as educational partners of the school of traditional and alternative medicine (STAM). This research methodology was qualitative research. Literature reviews on documents and databases as well as in-depth interview with 18 entrepreneurial agents or business owners of Thai traditional medicine establishments in Mueang district, Chiang Rai province by purposive sampling. The tool used in the research was the in-depth interview forms. The data were analyzed using content analysis techniques. The results revealed that the potential of the Thai traditional medicine establishments that can be developed as educational partners of STAM in all 4 types as follows: 1) Thai traditional medicine hospital (Thai traditional medicine clinic), 2) Traditional pharmacy shop or herbal pharmaceutical, 3) Plant or herb shop, and 4) Health establishments. There are potentials that can be developed into educational partners STAM in 3 aspects: 1) Availability of buildings and services with a location in both the city center and the suburbs. It is next to the main road and parking facilities including the ability to provide services according to the needs of users, 2) Readiness of personnel in the workplace with knowledge and expertise to provide appropriate services, and 3) Knowledge that can be exchanged or jointly developed between the establishment and STAM which able to be as a source of study visits, student feeder, practicum of Thai traditional medicine center, sources of personnel to enter short-term training courses, the market supports herbal products or herbal raw materials, and support graduates careers.